The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed 16 cases of New World screwworm in Texas, with three of those cases now considered inactive. The parasite, which feeds on living flesh, has been found mostly in livestock.
The most recent case was confirmed in a sheep in Terrell County, Texas, about two hours southwest of Fort Stockton. Two cattle cases were also confirmed in Edwards County, Texas, on Sunday.
The USDA determines a case as inactive when the animal has recovered or measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the parasite. The department now requires dogs crossing into the U.S. to have a Screwworm-Freedom Certificate.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
